Centers Health Care’s CEO, Kenny Rozenberg, sees the skilled nursing sector at a crossroads. He’s witnessed staff shortages, cost pressures and growing resident acuity firsthand. Yet he believes every challenge doubles as an opening for fresh ideas. “We’ve got to lean into creativity,” he often says, recalling his early days managing a single facility in upstate New York. Those humble beginnings sparked his passion for blending technology and touch in patient care.

At the heart of Rozenberg’s strategy is CMS’s forthcoming Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). Launching January 2026, TEAM shifts revenue streams toward bundled payments that tie hospitals and post‑acute partners together. It’s not just about lowering readmissions or cutting ER visits. It’s about building trust across the care continuum. Kenny notes, almost wryly, that the old siloed approach felt like “two ships passing in the night.” TEAM, by contrast, aims to dock them side by side.

Preparation is already underway. Throughout 2025, Centers Health Care rolled out its “Are You TEAM Ready” education hub, offering tools for hospital administrators, care managers and clinicians. Some may scoff at yet another online portal. But Rozenberg insists it’s more than a digital pamphlet. It’s an interactive roadmap that highlights key deadlines—instructor‑led webinars, data submission windows and benchmarking exercises. He jokes that the busiest people learn best in bite‑sized chunks, so they made videos under five minutes.

Looking ahead, Rozenberg sees TEAM as an accelerant for elevating skilled nursing’s role. Facilities with top‑tier rehab and therapy services—think joint replacements or spinal fusion follow‑ups—stand to benefit most. He points to Centers Health Care’s track record: over 10,000 successful rehab discharges each year. “Our numbers tell a story,” he says, “but it’s the human moments that really stick.” A resident’s first unassisted step or a family’s relieved smile—those are the true ROI.

For hospitals vetting post‑acute partners, Kenny advises focusing on more than CMS’s five‑star ratings. That system can miss nuance. Instead, dive into discharge‑to‑home rates, patient satisfaction scores and readmission metrics. Seek alignment in care philosophies and data transparency. If you’re not reviewing shared dashboards regularly, you’re flying blind—he warns, half‑smiling. Collaboration, after all, is less about contracts and more about conversations.

In Rozenberg’s view, 2025 will be defined by balance. Rapid change, yes, but without losing sights of core purpose: improving lives. AI tools will proliferate—predicting needs, automating documentation and optimizing staffing. Still, he stresses, “Tech should free your heart, not replace it.” Centers Health Care’s motto reflects that: innovate boldly, care deeply.